Local Woman-Owned Business Spotlight ✨Luma Therapy; Let’s talk sex baby!
Boosting Confidence and Breaking Stigmas: Tori’s Unique Approach at Luma Therapy
I had an absolute blast photographing Tori from Luma Therapy! Her smile lights up a room just as much as her personality does—she’s the kind of therapist who makes you feel like you’re chatting with a friend rather than in a formal session.
Tori’s mission is all about boosting confidence and self-worth, and she’s got this magic way of making clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.
From her cozy St. Boniface office, she’s helping people tackle tough topics with humor, heart, and a dash of creativity (hello, art therapy!). Seriously, her enthusiasm is contagious, and I left our shoot feeling like I made a new friend!
Best way to get in contact with your business + your location.
The best way to connect is either through email (lumatherapy.ca@gmail.com) or Instagram (@luma.therapy)! Don’t forget to check out the website lumatherapy.ca The Luma Office is at the heart of the city of Winnipeg in St. Boniface. Minutes away from The Forks, but with free parking!
You can find Tori on instagram here!
What's your origin story!? Who are you and why did you start your business? Becoming an entrepreneur is no easy feat and I love hearing about the passion and aha moments!
My name is Tori! I’m a therapist who focuses on sexual confidence, sexual agency, and self-worth. What drew me to the field was that a counsellor really helped me build my self-esteem when I was little. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a counsellor at first, but I kept coming back to it. Then when I was finally deciding what to specialize in I realized there wasn’t enough resources on women empowerment and I really wanted to be a part of creating them and working toward filling that gap.
When I first started my own business I definitely had those moments of panic, those “what if it doesn’t work” ones, but I tried to remember, even if I only ever have one client and they benefit, then it’s worth it. After that it started to get more exciting to build different things and offer different services. I was nervous when I launched my first public workshop on building sexual confidence, and I was so happy and excited when people signed up!
What's in a name? How did you come up with your business name!?
I wish I had a cool story behind the name Luma Therapy, but I just thought it sounded cool. Then I tried to add a meaning later, like “ilLUMAnate” but that was a little bit too cheesy sounding so still thinking of a meaning for Luma.
What's your biggest challenge in your industry, the one thing you wish people knew?
The biggest challenge in my industry is probably that there is still so much stigma for mental health and for talking about things related to sex. So, I love finding other women and building community through Instagram that are dismantling those toxic ideas! I wish everyone knew that therapy isn’t as scary as it sounds! It’s really just about having a special time blocked in the day that lets you explore things that have been coming up lately and learn how to build up some new strategies.
Describe your business in 3 words + now in 3 emoji's
Fun, Welcoming, Empowering, 🥳💫☀️
What is your favorite part about your job?
That is a really tough question! I really enjoy connecting with others and that “aha” moment that clients have when they finally start believing in themselves and they start seeing all of their hard work and self-compassion pay off.
What services do you provide? Which is your favorite one you think everyone should try?
I offer individual and couple/relational counselling sessions, workshops, and art therapy sessions on a variety of topics. I am passionate about creating a safe space that is inclusive and affirming of LGBTQIA2S+, BDSM, kink, and non-monogamy—one that is sex positive and non-judgmental. Each person has their own unique intersectionality of characteristics, and I want them to feel safe to be themselves. The one thing everyone should try is one of the confidence building workshops! They are so fun and offered on a variety of topics. They can be booked privately too, hello girls’ day.
Who is your ideal customer and what do they love about what you do?
Another tough question! The thing I like about my work is that everyone is so different and I’m able to tailor therapy sessions to meet each client’s needs. I think my ideal client is someone who is excited to learn different strategies to build their confidence, feelings of self-worth, and/or relationships, and decrease their unhelpful feelings of anxiety or negative self-talk.
Share a fun or heartwarming story about a customer experience or testimonial.
The first time I a hosted a sexual confidence workshop it was at a retreat for women in the wellness industry. None of us really knew each other yet, and it was day one of the retreat, I think we were all a little bit nervous! It was so uplifting to see everyone start to laugh and open up during my workshop and it ended up being a really good “icebreaker” activity! By the end we were writing our favorite sexting ideas and dismantling toxic ideas and it was really empowering to hear the feedback after that the workshop was fun and helpful!
What's the most unexpected or quirky challenge you have had to deal with as a business owner and how did you handle it?
A challenge I have is defining what my role is. Lots of people have different ideas about what it means when I say I’m a therapist who focuses on sexual agency. I think sometimes our brains go to the most extreme option so usually I clarify that it really is mostly about helping people build confidence, self-worth, and feel excited to be themselves.
What's your secret ingredient or method for making every client visit special or awesome?
I really strive to work from where the client is at. So that means that we slow down and go from where feels comfortable and I think that makes a big difference. Sometimes people think “oh we have to move ten steps ahead” but I think that is just confusing! I don’t like it when someone is “talking down to me” and I really want clients to feel comfortable, like you are chatting with a friend and learning strategies at a pace that feels manageable.
How do you give back or get involved in the community? Any causes you help support or bring awareness to?
I used to volunteer at the Women’s Health Clinic in the birth control and pregnancy program and the training was so informative. I think that clinic does some amazing things, and I would recommend checking them out.
Tell us do you ever host or participate in any events locally?
Yes, I do offer workshops! Either at the Luma Office in St. Boniface or privately. If you want to stay informed about the next workshop be sure to sign up for the Luma Newsletter. https://www.lumatherapy.ca/connect or reach out to book a private workshop.
What's a recent achievement or milestone that makes you do a happy dance?
I recently had my 1 year anniversary for setting up my own office space. It was a bit of a risk for me, to take on such a big office space, but I went all in, did mudding, painting, and decorated! I wanted a space that felt relaxing, inclusive, and was big enough for hosting workshops as well as cozy enough for therapy sessions. Officially, making it a year there was very exciting!
If you could have any superpower to help your business what would it be and why?If I could have any superpower to help my business it would probably be to stop procrastinating. I have so many ideas and resources that I want to implement, but sometimes I get too in my head or take too long to offer them.
Looking ahead; Any new or exciting projects/plans in the works for your business?
I’m really hoping to set up some online resources so that they are more accessible for those who either can’t make it to in-person workshops or are from out of town! Building a supportive community has really helped me and I want to extend that to others.
Is there a fun fact or special details about your business that we absolutely need to know?
I also provide art therapy which is so fun! So, if you’re thinking about booking a session, but a little nervous about just sitting there, we can also do collaging at the same time. It helps us incorporate mindfulness and slow down which is therapeutic.
